Success Stories
Daybaa Gontee
From Words to Action
Daybaa Gontee, a 4-H member from Karnplay City in Nimba County, Liberia, has become an inspiration at Karnplay Inland Academy (KIA) through her passion for agriculture. Her hard work and dedication led her to win the National Agriculture Creed Speaking Competition.
She committed herself to studying and memorizing the Agriculture Creed with the support of her mother and her teacher, who helped with pronunciation and answering challenging questions off the cuff. Daybaa practiced reciting the Creed for her family, classmates and principal, which helped her gain confidence and ultimately succeed.
When she returned to school with her national trophy, her principal was thrilled! The school had never won a trophy before. He proudly displayed Daybaa’s trophy in his office, celebrating her victory and the honor it brought to the school. Being one of 14 children, Daybaa’s parents were considering taking Daybaa out of school for lack of funds to pay school fees. Because of the pride she brought to the campus, the principal awarded her a one-year scholarship during a special ceremony in front of the entire student body, allowing her to continue her education.
In addition to her public speaking accomplishments, Daybaa started a home entrepreneurship project—a garden where she grows eddoes and cassava. Daybaa dreams of becoming a professional agriculturalist one day. She believes agriculture is not only essential but also a path to independence and financial stability. Her goal is to attend Cuttington University to study agriculture, then return to her home community to establish a large-scale commercial farm where she can grow eddoes, potatoes, cassava and watermelon.
Daybaa Gontee
From Words to Action
Daybaa Gontee, a 4-H member from Karnplay City in Nimba County, Liberia, has become an inspiration at Karnplay Inland Academy (KIA) through her passion for agriculture. Her hard work and dedication led her to win the National Agriculture Creed Speaking Competition.
She committed herself to studying and memorizing the Agriculture Creed with the support of her mother and her teacher, who helped with pronunciation and answering challenging questions off the cuff. Daybaa practiced reciting the Creed for her family, classmates and principal, which helped her gain confidence and ultimately succeed.
When she returned to school with her national trophy, her principal was thrilled! The school had never won a trophy before. He proudly displayed Daybaa’s trophy in his office, celebrating her victory and the honor it brought to the school. Being one of 14 children, Daybaa’s parents were considering taking Daybaa out of school for lack of funds to pay school fees. Because of the pride she brought to the campus, the principal awarded her a one-year scholarship during a special ceremony in front of the entire student body, allowing her to continue her education.
In addition to her public speaking accomplishments, Daybaa started a home entrepreneurship project—a garden where she grows eddoes and cassava. Daybaa dreams of becoming a professional agriculturalist one day. She believes agriculture is not only essential but also a path to independence and financial stability. Her goal is to attend Cuttington University to study agriculture, then return to her home community to establish a large-scale commercial farm where she can grow eddoes, potatoes, cassava and watermelon.
Michael Y. Kollie:
A brighter future thanks to farming
At 17 years old, Micheal Y. Kollie from Lelekpeyah is already making a difference in his community and his life. Orphaned at a young age, Micheal’s future looked bleak. That changed three years ago when he joined the 4-H club at the Mount Zion Rescue Mission school, where he learned innovative agricultural techniques.
Micheal decided to start a backyard garden, applying the methods he learned. His garden soon flourished with tomatoes, peppers, cassava, and potatoes. Micheal's dedication paid off when he harvested a bountiful crop of tomatoes, earning him four thousand five hundred Liberian dollars. This was more than just income; it was a lifeline.
When asked how he spent the money, Micheal proudly shared that he bought a school uniform, reading books, and a pair of black shoes. He also used a portion of his earnings to help his younger siblings with school materials. Through his hard work, Micheal not only provided for his family but also set a powerful example of what can be achieved with determination and the right support.
Looking ahead, Micheal dreams of studying agriculture at the university level and becoming a field technician. He sees this as a way to give back to his community and continue the cycle of growth and learning that 4-H Liberia has sparked in him.
4-H Club, Korm
Education Through Farming
The 4-H Club in Korm, Ghana, started a scholarship fund out of proceeds from the school demonstration farm. Between 1962 and 2012, only three graduates of the junior high school had completed senior high school, but thanks to the availability of the scholarship fund, more than 25 students – all 4-H members – have graduated. The focus on education also reduced teenage pregnancy to almost zero in the community. As one father proudly said, “My daughter just graduated from senior high school. Had she been three years older, she would have missed out on 4-H and would probably have two or three kids by now. Instead, she has a high school degree.” Another graduate returned to the community as a healthcare worker.
4-H Club, Korm
Education Through Farming
The 4-H Club in Korm, Ghana, started a scholarship fund out of proceeds from the school demonstration farm. Between 1962 and 2012, only three graduates of the junior high school had completed senior high school, but thanks to the availability of the scholarship fund, more than 25 students – all 4-H members – have graduated. The focus on education also reduced teenage pregnancy to almost zero in the community. As one father proudly said, “My daughter just graduated from senior high school. Had she been three years older, she would have missed out on 4-H and would probably have two or three kids by now. Instead, she has a high school degree.” Another graduate returned to the community as a healthcare worker.
Mary Jallah
A Mother’s Determination
Mary Jallah, a resident of Bopolu District in Gbarpolu County, has embarked on a journey to self-sufficiency through a humble yet impactful project—her potato garden. Under the guidance of her younger brother, a student at Bombomma Public School, Mary has learned to cultivate potatoes using innovative farming techniques taught by the 4-H program at the school.
Mary's brother, inspired by the knowledge he gained through the school's agricultural program, returned home and shared what he had learned with his sister. He taught her how to plant potatoes on mounds, a method that not only optimizes space but also improves yield. Mary, eager to support her family, quickly adopted these techniques and set to work creating her own garden.
The results have been transformative. Stretching across a significant portion of her land, Mary’s potato garden is a testament to her hard work and determination. As she prepares for the upcoming harvest, Mary is filled with hope. The income from selling the potatoes will help her cover essential expenses, including her children's school fees, which have been a significant concern for her.
Despite facing challenges like a lack of tools—especially a hoe, which would make her work easier—Mary remains optimistic. She plans to expand her garden even further, believing that with the right resources, she can increase her income and provide even better opportunities for her children.
Dorcas Lepolu
Planting Hope, Harvesting Change
At 26, Dorcus H. Lepolu, an 8th-grade student at Kristen Marie Jensen Lutheran School in Sanoyea, is redefining resilience. She joined 4-H after learning about it from her club advisor, eager to gain new agricultural skills. As club president, she mastered techniques like planting on mounds and ridges and proper spacing.
In May 2024, Dorcus started her own farm, choosing beans and ground peas because they require no fertilizer. Despite challenges in securing land and tools, she expanded her farm to over two lots. From her first harvest, she earned L$9,000, using it for food, clothes, and school fees for her children.
Dorcus, who left school after pregnancy, returned after her second child was started school himself, determined to build a better future. She shares her knowledge with her parents, who now apply 4-H techniques on their rice and pepper farms. Her dream? To become a nurse while continuing farming to support her education through university.
Dorcas Lepolu
Planting Hope, Harvesting Change
At 26, Dorcus H. Lepolu, an 8th-grade student at Kristen Marie Jensen Lutheran School in Sanoyea, is redefining resilience. She joined 4-H after learning about it from her club advisor, eager to gain new agricultural skills. As club president, she mastered techniques like planting on mounds and ridges and proper spacing.
In May 2024, Dorcus started her own farm, choosing beans and ground peas because they require no fertilizer. Despite challenges in securing land and tools, she expanded her farm to over two lots. From her first harvest, she earned L$9,000, using it for food, clothes, and school fees for her children.
Dorcus, who left school after pregnancy, returned after her second child was started school himself, determined to build a better future. She shares her knowledge with her parents, who now apply 4-H techniques on their rice and pepper farms. Her dream? To become a nurse while continuing farming to support her education through university.
Patience
Meet Patience, a strong 17-year-old Liberian young lady who faced adversity early in life. Orphaned at a young age, she moved in with her uncle, and by 7th grade, she found herself pregnant, leading to dropping out of school.
When she returned to school and discovered the new 4-H club, Patience initially viewed it as hard work. However, witnessing the club's successful first harvest ignited her interest, and she joined two years ago. Inspired, she embarked on her home entrepreneurship project, cultivating sweet potatoes on mounds and planting vegetables for sale. Remarkably, Patience now serves as the club's treasurer.
Last September, she harvested three and a half 25 kg bags of sweet potatoes, selling three bags at 1,500 LD each. The remaining half bag was shared with others. Patience also sent one bag of cassava to town to support her son who now lives with family in Monrovia. The proceeds from the sales were used to pay for her school fees and living expenses. Patience is determined to complete senior high school and become a commercial farmer and take care of her family.
Kwakesor United Women Group
Growing Together for a Better Tomorrow
The Kwakesor United Women’s Group, based in Beadatuo, Liberia, has grown into a thriving farmer-based organization (FBO), sparked by the vision of parents of 4-H members and supported by the 4-H advisor at Beadatuo Public School. The idea for the group originated during a farmer field school school, led by the 4-H field officer, where parents were taught and inspired by new farming techniques, decided to organize themselves into a cooperative.
Starting with 25 members in its first year, the group grew to 30 members by the second year. Their early harvests included vegetables, dry-season corn, and lowland rice during the rainy season. The group's success has been largely credited to the agricultural techniques they learned through the 4-H program, such as raised bed preparation and proper crop spacing for vegetables like cabbage, which significantly improved their yields. Their decision to plant dry-season corn in the lowland—something many local farmers thought impossible—showcased their dedication to test new ideas.
The name "Kwakesor," which means "let's do it well" in the Gio language, reflects the group’s guiding principles. As their farming efforts expanded, the group’s vegetable farm grew to 500 square meters, while their rice farm now spans over an acre in the swampy lowlands near the village. Their success has attracted more members, especially women, who recognize the advantages of adopting the modern farming techniques taught through the 4-H Club. After successfully testing the new 4-H innovations as a group, many have taken the new practices back to their home farms to increase production and livelihood for their families.
Kwakesor United Women Group
Growing Together for a Better Tomorrow
The Kwakesor United Women’s Group, based in Beadatuo, Liberia, has grown into a thriving farmer-based organization (FBO), sparked by the vision of parents of 4-H members and supported by the 4-H advisor at Beadatuo Public School. The idea for the group originated during a farmer field school school, led by the 4-H field officer, where parents were taught and inspired by new farming techniques, decided to organize themselves into a cooperative.
Starting with 25 members in its first year, the group grew to 30 members by the second year. Their early harvests included vegetables, dry-season corn, and lowland rice during the rainy season. The group's success has been largely credited to the agricultural techniques they learned through the 4-H program, such as raised bed preparation and proper crop spacing for vegetables like cabbage, which significantly improved their yields. Their decision to plant dry-season corn in the lowland—something many local farmers thought impossible—showcased their dedication to test new ideas.
The name "Kwakesor," which means "let's do it well" in the Gio language, reflects the group’s guiding principles. As their farming efforts expanded, the group’s vegetable farm grew to 500 square meters, while their rice farm now spans over an acre in the swampy lowlands near the village. Their success has attracted more members, especially women, who recognize the advantages of adopting the modern farming techniques taught through the 4-H Club. After successfully testing the new 4-H innovations as a group, many have taken the new practices back to their home farms to increase production and livelihood for their families.
James K. Weefar
A Teacher Who Farms
James K. Weefar, a dedicated 4-H club advisor at Timas Foundation Schools, has embraced the teachings of 4-H Liberia and turned them into real-world success. A passionate advocate for agricultural education, James didn’t stop at simply advising his students—he became an active participant, starting his own Home Entrepreneurship Project (HEP).
James learned valuable skills through 4-H, including building cassava mounds, creating ridges, and cultivating vegetables. But his journey didn’t stop there. Inspired by these new techniques, he ventured into rice production, planting a thriving rice field. “The rice is all coming up, and I’m still planting,” he says with pride. This venture, rooted in the knowledge gained from 4-H, has become a symbol of his commitment to continuous learning and community empowerment.
One of the most impactful lessons James learned from 4-H was about the solar dryer. Previously, he struggled with the challenge of preserving his pepper harvest, often losing much of it to rot. With the introduction of the solar dryer, James is now able to dry his peppers efficiently, adding value and ensuring that he can sell them at a better price. “My pepper will never get rotten again,” he says, confident that this new technology will bring more income.
James’s influence extends beyond his own farm. He’s teaching his son and other community members the techniques he’s mastered, particularly the benefits of planting cassava on mounds and ridges. Through his leadership, James is not only cultivating crops but also nurturing a spirit of self-reliance and innovation within his community. His dream of building fish ponds next to his rice field is the next step in his journey, and he’s already laying the groundwork with the help of a local technician.
Morris Wuo
A Farmer’s New Perspective
Morris Wuo, a farmer in Bed Town, never anticipated that his son’s school project would become a catalyst for change in his life and community. It all started when Webber, his son, introduced him to the mound-making technique he learned through 4-H Liberia's Home Entrepreneurship Project (HEP). Initially, Morris was uncertain about this new method. He had always used traditional planting methods, so trying something different seemed risky.
Despite his reservations, Morris decided to test the technique on his farm. The results were remarkable. The mounds produced crops that were healthier and more abundant than anything he had grown before. Encouraged by this success, Morris decided to share this knowledge with others in his community. He gathered a small group, which they named “The People of Abraham,” and introduced them to the mound-making technique.
At first, the group was resistant. They found the method difficult and time-consuming compared to their traditional ways. However, Morris's determination never wavered. He continued to work with the group, showing them the tangible benefits as his crops grew stronger and more vibrant. The difference between the traditional fields and the mounds was undeniable—the mounds yielded larger, healthier tubers and made harvesting significantly easier.
As the success of the mounds became evident, Morris's group began to embrace the new technique. The initial resistance faded as they witnessed the prosperity it brought. Now, Morris is not only committed to continuing this method on his farm but also eager to share it with neighboring communities. He plans to distribute cassava sticks and teach the mound-making technique to others, helping them improve their crop yields and, ultimately, their livelihoods.
Morris Wuo
A Farmer’s New Perspective
Morris Wuo, a farmer in Bed Town, never anticipated that his son’s school project would become a catalyst for change in his life and community. It all started when Webber, his son, introduced him to the mound-making technique he learned through 4-H Liberia's Home Entrepreneurship Project (HEP). Initially, Morris was uncertain about this new method. He had always used traditional planting methods, so trying something different seemed risky.
Despite his reservations, Morris decided to test the technique on his farm. The results were remarkable. The mounds produced crops that were healthier and more abundant than anything he had grown before. Encouraged by this success, Morris decided to share this knowledge with others in his community. He gathered a small group, which they named “The People of Abraham,” and introduced them to the mound-making technique.
At first, the group was resistant. They found the method difficult and time-consuming compared to their traditional ways. However, Morris's determination never wavered. He continued to work with the group, showing them the tangible benefits as his crops grew stronger and more vibrant. The difference between the traditional fields and the mounds was undeniable—the mounds yielded larger, healthier tubers and made harvesting significantly easier.
As the success of the mounds became evident, Morris's group began to embrace the new technique. The initial resistance faded as they witnessed the prosperity it brought. Now, Morris is not only committed to continuing this method on his farm but also eager to share it with neighboring communities. He plans to distribute cassava sticks and teach the mound-making technique to others, helping them improve their crop yields and, ultimately, their livelihoods.
Salia Varney
A Young Farmer’s Big Plans
Seventeen-year-old Salia Varney, an 8th-grade student at Bombomma Public School in Bopolu District, is a shining example of initiative and hard work. A 4-H club member for four years, he applied new agricultural techniques to start a potato farm in early 2024. Despite previous setbacks with maize, Salia cultivated nearly 200 potato beds on 1,500 square meters of land, aiming to earn enough for school fees and supplies.
Set to harvest in August, he expects to make L$10,000, reinvesting in his farm and hiring help. Inspired by his success, his family has also adopted 4-H techniques, improving their rice and cassava yields. Despite limited tools, Salia’s perseverance has led him to sell potato vines and mentor peers starting their own projects. With dreams of expanding into cassava farming, Salia is on his way to becoming a key agricultural producer in his community.
Shahadu Nayi
A Farmer Learns from His Son
“I have been farming for 50 years and what do I have to show for it?” asked Shahadu Nayi, a smallholder, subsistence farmer in Ghana’s arid Northern Region.
“The students are learning about new crops and approaches that we, their parents, don’t know.” Mr. Nayi has nine children. His youngest was a member of the 4-H Club in the local junior high school where he learned new approaches, including rotational cropping systems, drip irrigation, fertilizer application and the importance of growing nutrient-enriched crops such as orange-fleshed sweet potato. A few years ago, during harvest, Mr. Nayi’s son helped him on the farm as extra labor. In the middle of the exhaustive, backbreaking work, his son exclaimed, “Dad, you shouldn’t mix all the crops together! When you grow maize, grow maize. When you grow cowpeas, grow cowpeas. Then, you will get better yields.” Mr. Nayi had seen the increased production yields of a rotational mono-cropping system on the school’s 4-H farm, so he listened. “As a farmer, the students formerly learned from us. Today, we learn from the students.”
For the past three years, Mr. Nayi has planted his crops in rows, rotating them annually according to the new method. “Previously, when I was farming under the old method, my family would run out of food before the next harvest and I would need to purchase food at the market. Today, with the method I learned from my son, I produce enough food to feed my family for the entire year. For 50 years, I spoiled the soil because I did not have the knowledge to conserve it. If I had been in 4-H when I was young, today I would be a rich man.”
Shahadu Nayi
A Farmer Learns from His Son
“I have been farming for 50 years and what do I have to show for it?” asked Shahadu Nayi, a smallholder, subsistence farmer in Ghana’s arid Northern Region.
“The students are learning about new crops and approaches that we, their parents, don’t know.” Mr. Nayi has nine children. His youngest was a member of the 4-H Club in the local junior high school where he learned new approaches, including rotational cropping systems, drip irrigation, fertilizer application and the importance of growing nutrient-enriched crops such as orange-fleshed sweet potato. A few years ago, during harvest, Mr. Nayi’s son helped him on the farm as extra labor. In the middle of the exhaustive, backbreaking work, his son exclaimed, “Dad, you shouldn’t mix all the crops together! When you grow maize, grow maize. When you grow cowpeas, grow cowpeas. Then, you will get better yields.” Mr. Nayi had seen the increased production yields of a rotational mono-cropping system on the school’s 4-H farm, so he listened. “As a farmer, the students formerly learned from us. Today, we learn from the students.”
For the past three years, Mr. Nayi has planted his crops in rows, rotating them annually according to the new method. “Previously, when I was farming under the old method, my family would run out of food before the next harvest and I would need to purchase food at the market. Today, with the method I learned from my son, I produce enough food to feed my family for the entire year. For 50 years, I spoiled the soil because I did not have the knowledge to conserve it. If I had been in 4-H when I was young, today I would be a rich man.”